Are Wired or Wireless Alarm Systems More Secure?

Wired and wireless alarm systems are both equally secure. A user can achieve proper peace of mind with either type of security system. The advantage to wireless systems is that they are generally easier to install and program. But wired systems have advantages in certain situations.

To this very day, an end user will sometimes hold a belief that wired alarm systems are much more secure than wireless ones. They know that a wireless system and its sensors can be hacked into and controlled by a potential intruder. But this type of scenario rarely occurs in practice. While it is technically possible to hack unencrypted wireless security sensors, most intruders will not go to such lengths to do this. And even if they did manage to do this, they most likely won't be able to do much to the alarm system as a whole. And of course, wired sensors cannot be wirelessly hacked.

Because of the fear that wireless sensors and systems may be hacked, some users believe that hardwired systems and sensors are more secure. But still, this is not the case. In recent years, security equipment manufacturers have released encrypted wireless sensors that are nearly impossible to wirelessly hack or take over. If a user is concerned that their wireless system and sensors may be hacked into, they can always obtain encrypted wireless sensors to prevent this possibility.

When deciding between a wired and a wireless system, a user should not be concerned with the "level of protection". This is because both system types offer an equal level of protection and security. If wireless hacking is a concern for the user, they can make sure that their wireless system uses encrypted sensors. Some alarm systems that support encrypted wireless sensors include the Honeywell Lyric Controller with its compatible Honeywell SiX Series Sensors, and the Qolsys IQ Panel 2 with its compatible S-Line Sensors.

If a user is having trouble deciding between a wireless and a wired system, there are other factors for them to consider. A wireless system is recommended in most situations, as this type of system is usually easier to install and program. But a user may choose a hardwired system in order to integrate it with the building and have it add value to the home. Certain types of hardwired systems also support multiple partitions. Support for multiple partitions is rarely available for wireless systems.